Homeowners in North Carolina’s coastal counties pay wind insurance rates three, four or five times higher than those inland, said Tyler Newman, a representative for BASE (Business Alliance For a Sound Economy/Home Builders Association).

“The assumption is most of the wind losses are in the coastal counties,” he said, “but 70 percent were west of the red line (roughly west of I-95) on the map.”

Newman spoke at the Holden Beach commissioners meeting in town hall Tuesday night.

Six families have decent roofs over their heads thanks to the efforts of Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity in the previous calendar year.

Erecting six new homes at various sites throughout Brunswick County was just one of the local habitat chapter’s accomplishments in 2011.

There was also a changing-of-the-guard at the local habitat chapter as Deanna Antonio stepped up from administrative associate to become its new executive director upon former director Gary Knapp’s retirement this past April.

To the editor:
The Relay For Life of Brunswick County committee would like to thank everyone involved in the Christmas parade floats for Relay.
We are thrilled to announce that we won first place in nonprofits in Shallotte and second place in Leland.
Thank you so much for all your help and support and we look forward to a fantastic year.
Alicia Sides
Relay For Life Committee 2012

In past years, the natural canals are dredged at a depth of 6 feet; however, this year the project engineer is recommending the town seek modifications to current permits to allow dredging up to 7 feet.

Daisy Ivey, town administrator, advised the dredging of the natural canals occurs on a five-year cycle.

CAROLINA SHORES—The town is looking into a possible interlocal agreement with the neighboring town of Calabash to share building inspection services.

Carolina Shores Town Administrator Mike Hargett, speaking at a town board of commissioners’ monthly meeting last Thursday, Jan. 5, said he had spoken with Calabash’s town administrator, Chuck Nance, about the possibility.

“We’re all in agreement it would be beneficial for the two towns,” Hargett said.

CALABASH—Town leaders have agreed the town’s first New Year’s Eve bonfire was an overwhelming success.

Calabash Mayor Mary Knight even awarded a plaque at Tuesday night’s monthly town board of commissioners meeting to longtime town services employee Jim McCartney. He was recognized for all of his help with the festive celebration that took place on the Calabash riverfront.

McCartney, who also works with the Calabash Fire Department, later said he had plenty of help from others.